Subsistence Farming

Subsistence farming occurs when farmers grow crops to meet the needs of themselves and their families on smallholdings. Subsistence agriculturalists target farm output for survival and for mostly local requirements. Planting decisions occur principally with an eye toward what the family will need during the coming year, and only secondarily toward market prices. Despite the self-sufficiency in subsistence farming, most subsistence farmers also participate in trade to some degree. Although their amount of trade as measured in cash is less than that of consumers in countries with modern complex markets, they use these markets mainly to obtain goods, not to generate income for food: these goods are typically not necessary for survival and may include sugar, iron roofing-sheets, bicycles, used clothing, and so forth.

All cultures need ways to produce goods and distribute them for consumption. This is the essence of an economic system. The forms these takes vary across the globe and make involve with family or non-family. It may involve work from the home or it may be corporation. Some economic systems support the independence of families while others result in a greater, albeit oft unacknowledged, interdependence. Most people like to grow plants that look good as well as some that taste good. But when you're doing survival garden, your goal is literally to survive. Every plant in your garden should have a sue that reflects that goal.

Subsistence farmers must ensure that they devote time to improve their yields and also apply the best farming techniques.